Delivering a premium cosmetics activation before opening

A retail production partner needed to deliver a high visibility pop-up activation for a new product launch by one of the world's leading cosmetics brands. The same premium installation would travel to four major UK shopping centres, with each venue requiring a controlled overnight build before opening.

The activation combined a raised 6 m x 4 m floor, printed vinyl, illuminated arches and consultation furniture, podiums, product displays and a large feature prop. Our teams also had to position and merchandise the product, complete presentation checks and leave every surface, graphic and display ready for the brand team.

City Install surveyed the venues before mobilisation, recording the available footprint, power points, floor restrictions, loading routes and lift dimensions. This identified practical risks early, including floor boxes beneath the proposed graphics, access approvals and a tight lift route for the largest feature piece.

We liaised directly with shopping centre teams, confirmed permits and access arrangements, and translated the design into a sequenced installation brief. The build order covered the raised floor, cable routes, power testing, vinyl application, furniture and arch assembly, merchandising, cleaning and final quality control.

On site, the team used protective handling methods for the polished finishes, checked components against the packing list and retained the specialist packaging for the next move. Electrical elements were tested before cable routes were closed, while fixtures, graphics and product were aligned and inspected from the customer's viewpoint. Completion photography and issue escalation gave the client clear visibility before handover.